A printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer

Abstract

This invention discloses a printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer, comprising a printhead force application mechanism, an elastic element, a heat sink, a printhead, and a rubber roller. The printhead force application mechanism applies at least two different forces to the elastic element, allowing the elastic element to be in at least two different compression states. The printhead is fixedly mounted on the heat sink, and the elastic element is connected to the heat sink to drive the heat sink and the printhead to move. This invention can adjust the pressure between the printhead and the rubber roller to accommodate label papers of different thicknesses and materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of label printer technology, and more specifically, relates to a printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer. Background Technology

[0002] A label refers to the text, graphic symbols, and all explanatory materials on a product. Label printers are used to print labels and come in two main types: thermal label printers and thermal transfer label printers. Regardless of the type, all label printers include a print head and a printing roller. During printing, the print head presses against the printing roller, and the label paper and ribbon pass between the print head and the roller. A motor drives the printing roller to rotate, thus completing the printing process.

[0003] A label printer may support label paper of different materials and thicknesses to meet diverse needs. For example, supermarkets often use thinner, standard paper labels, while some industries require thicker, flexible, anti-metal RFID tags. The pressure required between the printhead and the roller varies depending on the material and thickness of the label paper. Thinner, standard paper labels require less pressure to achieve good printing results, while flexible, anti-metal RFID tags require greater pressure. Therefore, a mechanism for adjusting printhead pressure is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the present invention provides a printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer, which can adjust the pressure between the printhead and the rubber roller to adapt to label paper of different thicknesses and materials.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer, comprising a printhead force application mechanism, an elastic element, a heat sink, a printhead, and a rubber roller. The printhead force application mechanism is used to apply at least two different forces to the elastic element so that the elastic element can be in at least two different compression states. The printhead is fixedly mounted on the heat sink, and the elastic element is connected to the heat sink to drive the heat sink and the printhead to move.

[0006] Furthermore, the printhead force application mechanism includes a cam and a camshaft. The camshaft is located in the housing of the label printer, and the cam is sleeved on the camshaft. The cam includes at least two force application surfaces. Different force application surfaces apply different magnitudes of force to the elastic element when they contact the elastic element. The force application surfaces of the cam in contact with the elastic element are switched by rotating the cam.

[0007] Furthermore, the cam includes a first force-applying surface and a second force-applying surface, which are connected by a curved surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the included angle α between the first force-applying surface and the second force-applying surface satisfies 100° < α < 150°.

[0009] Furthermore, the camshaft is fixedly mounted on the housing of the label printer, and the cam can rotate around the camshaft.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a lever, which includes a user operation part and a linkage lever. The user operation part is connected to one end of the linkage lever, and the linkage lever is used to drive the cam to rotate.

[0011] Furthermore, the camshaft is rotatably mounted on the housing of the label printer, and the cam rotates following the camshaft.

[0012] Furthermore, the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism also includes a motor and a controller, wherein the motor is used to drive the camshaft to rotate, and the motor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] Furthermore, the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism also includes an RFID reader for identifying RFID tag paper, and the RFID reader is electrically connected to the controller.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic element includes a spring top plate, a spring bottom plate, a spring, and a first rotating shaft. The printhead force application mechanism contacts the spring top plate to apply force to the spring top plate, allowing the spring top plate to move towards the spring bottom plate. The spring is placed between the spring top plate and the spring bottom plate and is in a compressed state. One end of the spring contacts the spring top plate, and the other end of the spring contacts the spring bottom plate. The spring bottom plate is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft, and the axis of the first rotating shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the rubber roller. The heat dissipation plate is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and can rotate around the first rotating shaft.

[0015] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solution conceived in this invention applies different magnitudes of force to the elastic element through the printhead force application mechanism, causing the elastic element to be in different compression states, thereby driving the printhead to move. The movement of the printhead adjusts the pressure between the printhead and the rubber roller to adapt to label paper of different thicknesses and materials, so that label paper of different thicknesses and materials can obtain better printing results. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism in the first state of this embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism in the first state of this embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism in the second state of this embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism in the second state of this embodiment;

[0020] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, including: 1, printhead force application mechanism; 2, elastic element; 3, heat sink; 4, printhead; 5, rubber roller; 6, cam; 7, camshaft; 8, first force application surface; 9, second force application surface; 10, curved surface; 11, spring top plate; 12, spring bottom plate; 13, spring; 14, first rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer, comprising a printhead force application mechanism 1, an elastic element 2, a heat sink 3, a printhead 4, and a rubber roller 5. The printhead force application mechanism 1 is used to apply at least two different forces to the elastic element 2, so that the elastic element 2 can be in at least two different compression states. The printhead 4 is fixedly connected to the heat sink 3, and the elastic element 2 is connected to the heat sink 3 to drive the heat sink 3 and the printhead 4 to move.

[0025] The printhead force application mechanism 1 can switch the force applied to the elastic element 2, allowing the elastic element 2 to switch between different compression states. This can drive the heat sink 3 and printhead 4 to move. The movement of the heat sink 3 and printhead 4 can change the pressure between the printhead 4 and the rubber roller 5 to adapt to label paper of different thicknesses and materials, so that label paper of different thicknesses and materials can achieve better printing results.

[0026] There are multiple ways to implement the printhead force application mechanism 1, as long as it can apply at least two different forces to the elastic element 2.

[0027] In one embodiment, the printhead force application mechanism 1 adopts the following structure. The printhead force application mechanism 1 includes a cam 6 and a camshaft 7. The camshaft 7 is disposed in the housing of the label printer, and the cam 6 is sleeved on the camshaft 7. The cam 6 includes at least two force application surfaces. When different force application surfaces contact the elastic element 2, they apply different magnitudes of force to the elastic element 2. By rotating the cam 6, the force application surfaces of the cam 6 in contact with the elastic element 2 are switched, thereby changing the force applied to the elastic element 2. This can drive the heat sink 3 and the printhead 4 to move. The movement of the heat sink 3 and the printhead 4 can change the pressure between the printhead 4 and the rubber roller 5 to adapt to label papers of different thicknesses and materials.

[0028] The total number of pressure application surfaces on cam 6 can be adjusted as needed. Several different pressure application surfaces can be set to accommodate different printing pressure levels. For example, if the label printer needs to support label printing of two thicknesses, cam 6 can be configured to include two pressure application surfaces.

[0029] Furthermore, the cam 6 includes a first force-applying surface 8 and a second force-applying surface 9, which are connected by a curved surface 10. The advantage of connecting them by the curved surface 10 is that it makes the operation of switching from the first force-applying surface 8 to the second force-applying surface 9 easier and smoother.

[0030] Furthermore, the included angle α between the first force-applying surface 8 and the second force-applying surface 9 satisfies 100° < α < 150°. This further makes the switching smoother.

[0031] The state when the first force-applying surface 8 contacts the elastic element 2 is called the first state of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism, and the state when the second force-applying surface 9 contacts the elastic element 2 is called the second state of the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism. Figure 1 This is a 3D diagram in its first state. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first state. Figure 3 This is a 3D diagram of the second state. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the second state.

[0032] The rotation of cam 6 can also be achieved in several ways.

[0033] In one embodiment, the camshaft 7 is fixedly mounted on the housing of the label printer, and the cam 6 is rotatable around the camshaft 7.

[0034] Furthermore, the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism also includes a lever, which comprises a user operation unit and a linkage lever. The user operation unit is connected to one end of the linkage lever, and the linkage lever is used to drive the cam 6 to rotate. By operating the user operation unit, the user can drive the cam 6 to rotate via the linkage lever, thereby switching the printing pressure.

[0035] In another embodiment, the camshaft 7 is rotatably disposed on the housing of the label printer, and the cam 6 rotates with the camshaft 7, thereby rotating the cam 6 by rotating the camshaft 7.

[0036] Furthermore, the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism includes a motor and a controller. The motor is used to drive the camshaft 7 to rotate. The motor is electrically connected to the controller. By driving the camshaft 7 to rotate, the cam 6 is driven to rotate.

[0037] Furthermore, the printhead pressure adjustment mechanism also includes an RFID reader, which is used to identify RFID tags and is electrically connected to the controller. After reading the stored information of the RFID tag paper through the label printer's RFID reader, different control commands are sent to the motor to drive the camshaft 7 to rotate, thereby driving the cam 6 to rotate.

[0038] However, the specific implementation of the printhead force application mechanism 1 is not limited to the above structure. For example, the printhead force application mechanism 1 can also apply different magnitudes of force to the elastic member 2 by moving its own position. Any structure that can achieve "applying different magnitudes of force to the elastic member 2 so that the elastic member 2 can be in different compression states" should be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0039] Furthermore, the elastic element 2 includes a spring top plate 11, a spring bottom plate 12, a spring 13, and a first rotating shaft 14. The print head force application mechanism 1 contacts the spring top plate to apply force to the spring top plate, so that the spring top plate can move towards the spring bottom plate. The spring is placed between the spring top plate and the spring bottom plate and is in a compressed state. One end of the spring contacts the spring top plate, and the other end of the spring contacts the spring bottom plate. The spring bottom plate is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft. The axis of the first rotating shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the rubber roller. The heat dissipation plate 3 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and can rotate around the first rotating shaft.

[0040] In this way, the pressure applied by the printhead force application mechanism is not applied directly to the heat sink, but to the elastic element, thereby changing the position of the first rotating shaft. The heat sink is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and can rotate around the first rotating shaft, which can drive the printhead to rotate around the first rotating shaft. This allows the position of the printhead to have a certain adjustment space, so that the pressure of the printhead pressing on both ends of the rubber roller can be adjusted adaptively to ensure that the pressure of the printhead pressing on both ends of the rubber roller is relatively balanced during the printing process, thereby improving the printing quality and avoiding wrinkles in the ribbon.

[0041] The specific implementation of elastic element 2 is not limited to the above structure.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A printhead pressure adjustment mechanism for a label printer, characterized in that, The device includes a printhead force application mechanism, an elastic element, a heat sink, a printhead, and a rubber roller. The printhead force application mechanism is used to apply at least two different forces to the elastic element so that the elastic element can be in at least two different compression states. The printhead is fixedly mounted on the heat sink, and the elastic element is connected to the heat sink to drive the heat sink and the printhead to move. The elastic element includes a spring top plate, a spring bottom plate, a spring, and a first rotating shaft. The printhead force application mechanism contacts the spring top plate to apply force to the spring top plate, allowing the spring top plate to move towards the spring bottom plate. The spring is placed between the spring top plate and the spring bottom plate and is in a compressed state. One end of the spring contacts the spring top plate, and the other end of the spring contacts the spring bottom plate. The spring bottom plate is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft, allowing the spring bottom plate to drive the first rotating shaft to move towards the rubber roller. The axis of the first rotating shaft is perpendicular to the axis of the rubber roller. The heat sink is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and can rotate around the first rotating shaft.

2. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead force application mechanism includes a cam and a camshaft. The camshaft is located in the housing of the label printer, and the cam is sleeved on the camshaft. The cam includes at least two force application surfaces. Different force application surfaces apply different magnitudes of force to the elastic element when they contact the elastic element. The force application surface of the cam in contact with the elastic element is switched by rotating the cam.

3. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cam includes a first force-applying surface and a second force-applying surface, which are connected by a curved surface.

4. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The included angle α between the first force-applying surface and the second force-applying surface satisfies 100° < α < 150°.

5. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The camshaft is fixedly mounted on the housing of the label printer, and the cam can rotate around the camshaft.

6. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a lever, which includes a user operation part and a linkage lever. The user operation part is connected to one end of the linkage lever, and the linkage lever is used to drive the cam to rotate.

7. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The camshaft is rotatably mounted on the housing of the label printer, and the cam rotates with the camshaft.

8. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a motor and a controller, the motor being used to drive the camshaft to rotate, and the motor being electrically connected to the controller.

9. The printhead pressure adjustment mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes an RFID reader for identifying RFID tags, and the RFID reader is electrically connected to the controller.

Images